Last day drama brings J.League season to a close

DAZN’s premier season as the home of the J.League came to a close with a bang at the weekend following drama in all three divisions of the J.League.

In what has been an incredibly dramatic campaign across the J.League, the J1 title was decided on the final weekend with Kawasaki Frontale taking the glory ahead of last season’s champions and this season’s long-time pace setters Kashima Antlers. The Antlers could only manage two 0-0 draws to end the season, with Frontale stealing in at the last by securing three wins from their last three games including a comprehensive 5-0 triumph over Omiya Ardija on the final day to secure the title on goal difference! At the other end of the table, it was bitter disappointment for Ventforet Kofu, Albirex Niigata and Omiya Ardija who were relegated to J2.

In the J2 division, the season came to an end with the Play-Off final between Nagoya Grampus and Avispa Fukoka. With Shonan Bellmare and V-Varen Nagasaki already having secured their promotion to Japan’s top division, it was down to one from Nagoya and Avispa who made it to the final with victories over JEF United and Tokyo Verdy respectively. In a hotly contested 0-0 affair, it was Grampus who were promoted by virtue of finishing the regular season higher than their opponents Avispa. It was disappointment on the final day for Roasso Kumamoto and Thespakusatsu Gunma, who were relegated to the J3 division.

The season also came to a dramatic conclusion in the J3 division. Going into the final day, it was still possible for three teams to win promotion from Japan’s bottom tier. In a division containing some of the young stars of the future, it was Blaublitz Akita who won the honour of winning the division with a 3-0 victory away at Gainare Tottori. The other promotion spot went to Tochigi, who had to make do with a 1-1 draw in what was effectively a promotion shoot-out between themselves and third-placed Azul Claro Numazu.

It’s been a great first season for DAZN as the host broadcaster of the J.League, and we are already planning for and incredibly excited about next season already! The action doesn’t stop there though, with the J.League awards. The awards will celebrate the very best from across the J.League this season and will be taking place at 18:30 (JST), live on DAZN on Tuesday 5th December.

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